Wills, Probate

Trusts, Estate Planning

210 South Beach Street, Suite 202
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
(386) 257-3332

Personal Representative

Heidi helped me get organized with all of my beneficiary paperwork and made me aware of things that I didn't even know to ask about. She's a pro at what she does and so easy to work with!

~ Becky B

I have been a friend of Heidi and her family for a very long time which is why, after my dad passes away and I needed to create a will and set up a trust account, I called Heidi. When we met, she explained everything I needed to do so she could set up my will and trust. She told me what she would do once I finished my part. She asked me very detailed questions about my wishes. She drafted my will and trust account and when I arrive at her office for the final signing, all the documentation was laid out for me very clearly. She went through all the documents with me, with explanations of them all, in case there might be anything was not as I wanted. It was very obvious to me she was very knowledgeable in her craft. Heidi is a true professional who helped me with my estate planning, her attention to detail is top notch. I would highly recommend Heidi to anyone considering their trust or estate planning, she is the best!

~ Neighbor

Questions to Ask Yourself Regarding Your Estate Plan

Questions to Ask Yourself Regarding Your Estate Plan

When you are ready to get your plan in place there are several questions to ask yourself regarding your estate plan before you meet with your Estate Planning Attorney.  Preparing a well-drafted plan will save your family and loved ones from trying to determine your wishes. Here are a few questions to ask yourself regarding estate planning.

Who Will Take Care of Your Children?

If you are a parent, one primary concern is deciding who will care for your children in the event of your death. No parent wants to consider this scenario but planning for this will prevent future disputes and make sure your children are with an individual of your choosing.

Who Will Manage Your Finances & Medical Decisions if You Can’t?

If an injury or illness leaves you unable to make decisions for yourself, someone will need to manage your finances and make medical decisions on your behalf. You can appoint a Durable Power of Attorney to make these financial decisions and a Health Care Surrogate for medical decisions. The person you select should be responsible, trustworthy, and willing to take on this responsibility.

Without a Durable Power of Attorney, a Florida court will appoint a Guardian on your behalf —and it could be a stranger.

Who Will Be Your Beneficiaries?

When planning your estate, one of the most critical questions is: whom will you name as beneficiaries? Beneficiaries can be whomever you want.

This decision is a personal one. You may have close friends you consider family but are not legally recognized as your relatives. These individuals may be named as beneficiaries when planning your estate.

How Do You Want Your Property and Assets Distributed?

Determining property and asset distribution is one of the most complex aspects of estate planning.

A Will is the only way to ensure that your property and assets are distributed per your wishes. Trusts can help eliminate probate fees. Without a will, your property and assets will be distributed as per Florida’s intestate succession laws.

Who Will be the Personal Representative of your Estate?

When planning your estate, you will need to appoint someone as Personal Representative [PR]. They will manage all of the affairs related to your estate after your death, including:

  • Making all necessary notifications of death
  • The probate process
  • Submitting your will
  • Gathering assets
  • Paying your debts
  • Handling taxes
  • Closing the estate

In Florida, PRs may receive reasonable compensation for their work and a percentage of the estate’s value. These costs should be considered when naming your PR.

If you have someone in mind for the job, talk to them first and use this list to organize the questions to ask yourself regarding your Estate Plan. The appointment of a PR is a complicated and sometimes stressful one. The person you appoint must be ready and willing to take on these responsibilities if you want to avoid disputes and prolong the probate process.

Heidi S. Webb, Attorney at Law serves clients in Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach, Port Orange, and beyond with matters of Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Small Business Law. Contact her today to schedule a free consultation. Visit her page on Facebook, or see what her clients are saying to learn more about Heidi. 

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